Springhill Hospice receives £8,000 cheque from Rochdale’s Got Talent

Paul Ellison presents a cheque for £8,315 to Barbara Lloyd from Springhill Hospice

Man of Rochdale Paul Ellison has presented Springhill Hospice with the proceeds raised from the Rochdale’s Got Talent contest.

Mr Ellison presented the hospice’s Barbara Lloyd with a cheque for over £8,300 on Tuesday 17 June which was raised through donations during the Rochdale’s Got Talent competition in May/June.

The talent show was won by 11-year-old Xela Mills, who wowed the public with her dancing skills.

The competition was organised by Mr Ellison, and Sam Kutereba-Wall to raise funds for Springhill Hospice, after it was hit financially hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Ellison said: "The competition has been fun and enjoyable and raising such a fantastic amount for the hospice has made it so worthwhile. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated and the Rochdale's Got Talent team. We are looking forward to next year's contest."

Requiring over £3.2 million each year to remain open, organised annual events which raise thousands had to be cancelled, and the hospice charity shops - deemed non-essential - had to temporarily close in line with government guidelines.

Springhill Hospice Chief Executive, Julie Halliwell said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved with this wonderful competition. The money raised will be used carefully to benefit the patients and families in our care and we are most grateful for your support.”